A petition challenging the indefinite internet ban imposed in Manipur since May 3, following the outbreak of violence in the state, has been filed before the Supreme Court. The petitioners, lawyer Chongtham Victor Singh and businessman Mayengbam James, highlighted that despite a clear de-escalation of the situation, the Manipur government has repeatedly issued state-wide internet shutdown orders.
The plea emphasized the adverse impact of the shutdown on the residents of the state. They have experienced fear, anxiety, helplessness, and frustration as a result of the ban. Moreover, they have been unable to communicate with their loved ones or colleagues, leading to strains in personal, professional, and social relationships. The shutdown has also disrupted essential activities such as sending children to school, accessing bank accounts, making payments, obtaining supplies and medicines, ultimately bringing their lives and livelihoods to a standstill.
The petitioners pointed out that the reasons cited in the blocking orders focus on law and order and anti-social elements, rather than public order. Additionally, the recent extensions of the ban did not undergo the required oversight of the Review Committee as mandated by law. The petition argued that these orders are disproportionate and infringe upon the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and the freedom to carry on trade and occupation.
The plea contended that the suspension orders do not explicitly mention reasons falling within the scope of Article 19(2) of the Constitution. Therefore, they violate Rule 2(2) of the Telecom Suspension Rules and are constitutionally invalid. The petition further stated that the internet ban does not serve a legitimate goal and lacks a direct connection to the purpose of maintaining law and order, considering the current ground situation.
One significant concern raised in the petition is the lack of public disclosure regarding the internet ban. The notifications regarding the ban have not been published on any website or social media platforms, preventing residents from making alternative arrangements or challenging the ban effectively.
In light of these arguments, the petitioners requested the Supreme Court to direct the state to restore internet services in all districts and publish the suspension orders, as well as the findings of the Review Committee. The petition was drafted by advocate Natasha Maheshwari and filed through advocate Shadan Farasat.
TAGS: petition Supreme Court indefinite internet ban Manipur violence lawyer businessman de-escalation state-wide shutdown orders fear anxiety helplessness frustration communication personal relationships professional relationships social relationships school bank accounts payments supplies medicines lives livelihoods standstill blocking orders law and order anti-social elements public order Review Committee constitutional rights freedom of speech freedom to carry on trade and occupation Telecom Suspension Rules disproportionate legitimate goal nexus ground situation public disclosure notifications alternative arrangements challenge restore internet services publish findings.
